Busting 7 Myths About Background Check Organizations

It’s no secret that the background screening industry has been subject to bad press in the past. Thorough and compliant processes minimize risk and a comprehensive applicant support system rectifies errors quickly.

InfoMart’s service model emphasizes accuracy, a positive candidate and customer experience, and turnaround time. Here are 7 myths about background check organizations and screening procedures — and how InfoMart’s service proves them wrong.

All background check organizations offshore their processing and support.

The InfoMart Reality:

InfoMart’s domestic searches and services are processed by our team of in-house experts in our Atlanta headquarters. We value our employees, and strive to create a positive work environment that enables them to grow professionally and personally. The majority of InfoMart’s operations management team were promoted from within the company, and we regularly cross train our analysts so they understand how each piece of the process works. By keeping our team US-based for domestic searches, our expert analysts exceed the capabilities of offshored employees; with no language barriers or compliance confusion to overcome, turnaround time is reduced and accuracy is improved.

When our clients need searches conducted outside the United States, InfoMart partners with in-country, local language experts. The results sourced by our in-country partners are then filtered through our in-house team, ensuring every record meets InfoMart’s standards.

Regardless of whether you’re requesting searches domestically or internationally, all InfoMart customer support is centralized in our Atlanta headquarters.

Background screening companies only match records based on an applicant’s name, leading to instances of mistaken identity.

The InfoMart Reality:

InfoMart does not report “name-match-only” cases.

InfoMart matches at least two personal identifiers, such as name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number, government ID, etc., before reporting the results.

If necessary, InfoMart’s analysts will query courts or searchers to provide additional identifiers, such as an address or driver’s license number, that is matched to the submitted information. Cases that are deemed “name-match only” will not be reported. If InfoMart believes information has been submitted incorrectly, we reach out to our clients or their candidates to correct the information.

All background checks are completely automated.

The InfoMart Reality:

InfoMart uses a blend of integrated automation and manual work to process background checks. We obtain criminal records through the most efficient means possible, whether that means sending someone down to a courthouse or pulling documents directly from a jurisdiction’s online database. It all depends on what the most accurate and efficient means of pulling information is for that particular case.

We trust our tech and our people. Automation can keep turnaround times down, but sometimes nothing beats an FCRA-certified professional.

Background screeners don’t bother to comply with state or local laws.

The InfoMart Reality:

Compliance is at the heart of what InfoMart does and we take steps to ensure each part of the screening process is done in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Our operations team is required to obtain and maintain a PBSA Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) certification, for example. But while we expect our analysts to be well-informed about compliance regulations and the specifics of our customers’ screening programs, there are hundreds of laws governing screening. To keep us and our clients compliant, our system is designed to apply compliance filters before the report enters the quality assurance phase of processing.

These filters are also flexible to account for changing legislation. For example, when salary verification laws began to go into effect, we created a process that could easily be applied to the impacted jurisdictions.

Background screening companies care only about their clients and not the applicants.

The InfoMart Reality:

InfoMart understands the importance of a good candidate experience. Screening companies are an extension of their employer’s brand. If the process is delayed or is difficult for the candidate, that could reflect poorly on both the screening company and the candidate’s would-be employer. InfoMart has a dedicated team of Applicant Advocates who are solely committed to helping applicants with their background checks, and we design technology that not only improves accuracy but also gives candidates a simple, mobile-friendly way to submit their information.

The major leaders in background screening buy other companies to grow their reach and tech.

The InfoMart Reality:

InfoMart is one of the top 10 largest screening companies in the industry, and our proprietary technology was created in-house by our own industry experts. This keeps processes consistent and gives InfoMart full control over technology upgrades. Every team member has been trained on the same processes, same tech, and in the same way. Our systems aren’t a patchwork of acquisitions, which can lead to imperfect integrations and spotty reporting.

InfoMart’s growth over the past thirty years has largely been organic. We’ve built our business to last: by cultivating trusted relationships and a reputation for accuracy, low turnaround time, and modernized technology. 

All background screening companies are basically the same.

The InfoMart Reality:

Not all CRAs are created equal. InfoMart was a pioneer in the background screening industry. With 30 years of experience under our belts, we’re ready to tackle whatever screening challenges our clients have. InfoMart has the technology, the experts, and the industry knowledge to create a screening program that will fit any company’s needs.

Ready to learn more? If you have under 500 employees, you can get started today. Over 500 employees? Ask for a quote.

About Tammy Cohen

Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record. To learn more about Tammy, visit www.tammycohen.com.

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.